Historically, the top NBA basketball players have shown their place in the basketball hierarchy with notable playoff moments. But two games into the postseason, the New York Knicks are still waiting on Jalen Brunson‘s against the Philadelphia 76ers.
During the first two games, the All-Star point guard made only 16 of 55 field goals, resulting in a 29 percent shooting rate.
Free throw successes have boosted his scoring average to 23 points per game, but Brunson hasn't been the dominating player he was throughout the season. Philadelphia’s defense has stifled New York’s solo offense.
When questioned about adapting to the 76ers’ coverage prior to Game 3, Brunson informed Ian Begley of SNY that the solution is a straightforward one.
“The simple solution is I need to adapt and…be more composed; comprehend what they’re doing & fundamentally perform better,” Brunson informed SNY on April 23. There are no tricks to it. It’s just, ‘Jalen you need to be better.’ It’s that clear & simple.”
Thanks to outstanding play from his supporting cast, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart among them, the Knicks’ are up 2-0 in the series.
However, as they enter the challenging environment of the 76ers’ home court for Games 3 and 4, that lead could easily become a tie when they return to New York for Game 5.
Recalibrating won’t be necessary for Brunson to win the series, as the Knicks have demonstrated in Games 1 and 2. However, if they are to close it out on the road, it might indeed require him to regain his form.
Brunson Responds to Embiid
Following the Game Two loss, Joel Embiid‘s comments with reporters grabbed attention for their outspokenness and boldness.
“We should be 2 and 0,” Embiid told The Athletic on April 22.
Thus, we’re in a good position. We’re going to win this series. We’re going to emerge victorious. We know what needs to be addressed. We performed better today. Thus, we will resolve it. However, we're the superior team. And we’re going to keep striving.”
Brunson and the rest of the Knicks team are mindful of the reigning MVP’s remarks.
In his typical fashion, he disavowed using the remarks as motivation.
“We perceive it,” Brunson informed SNY. “But there’s nothing we can really do about it. It’s the playoffs. If you need any more motivation at this point, then I don’t know if you’re in the right business.”
The return of De’Anthony Melton is a positive sign for Philadelphia.
He averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.6 steals in 36 appearances with the 76ers this season.
According to Cleaning the Glass, in 2,114 possessions with the defensive-minded guard on the court, the 76ers have outscored opponents by 10.3 points per 100 possessions, which places them in the 93rd percentile.
Nonetheless, statistically, the odds greatly favor New York, regardless of who's available on either side.
Knicks Lead is Historically Safe
As reported by Land of Basketball, teams that secure a 2-0 lead in a seven-game series go on to win it 92.7% of the time. The odds are even higher in the first round, at 93.4%.
The most recent team to overcome a 2-0 deficit in a seven-game series was the 2022-2023 Golden State Warriors, who defeated the Sacramento Kings in the first round.
That should give Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks some assurance as they travel with this series to the Wells Fargo Center.
